by Box Set
“For someone who hasn’t spent much time around horses, you sure seem to know what to do.” His forehead creased.
“I think all creatures need gentleness and respect. I wouldn’t want someone I didn’t know walking up and touching me.”
He smiled and gave Sampson a stroke on his neck.
“Did you buy him as a baby? You said you raised him. Tell me more.”
“One of our mares had her foal early, and everyone thought he wouldn’t make it through the winter. I thought otherwise, so I went against everyone else and I took care of him. I slept in the barn with him and made sure he was fed and taken care of when his mother wouldn’t bother. He not only made it, he’s now our stud. I think he’s going to produce some amazing offspring.”
She saw the pride on his face and the hope in his eyes. “When I was a kid, I studied what made perfect the confirmation of a Quarter horse and what they looked for in the breed because I wanted so badly to have one when I grew up. He looks pretty darn near perfect from what I can tell, and this midnight black coat is gorgeous. You take great care of him.”
He leaned over to undo the lock on the stall door, and when he did, his chest pressed against her back. Holly’s breath caught as she felt something akin to an electric current run through her body. There was nowhere for her to move so she stood perfectly still until he backed up.
“Let me get him out so you can get a good look at him.” He slid the stall door open and slipped a halter over his head just before he led him out of the stall.
“All right,” she barely whispered, putting her head down while trying to will her heart to stop racing and her breathing to slow the hell down. She glanced up at the horse. “He is absolutely the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” Her eyes met Preston’s, and for a moment, she thought she saw desire pass through his eyes. He took a step toward her, and she quickly looked back at Sampson. “He looks perfect. Look at those muscles and definition.” Running her hand down his neck and over his back, she caught Preston watching her, and she felt the heat of a blush spread over her face again.
Clearing his throat, he led Sampson back into his stall. “We better finish feeding the rest of them. As soon as the sun comes up a bit more and they have eaten, I’ll come back and turn them out for a bit. Ma’s probably wondering where we are.”
Holly was disappointed that their alone time was over. “May I come with you when you do?” she asked softly.
“Sure.” He reached and brushed her hair behind her ear. “But I think we’ll need to dress you a little warmer, you’re shivering.” His deep voice rumbled through her, warming her instantly as she felt the heat of another blush spread over her.
Chapter 5
If the Fates Allow
Preston was making his way down the hall toward the stairs, wondering if he should knock on Holly’s door since she wanted to help him with the horses, when he found himself literally running into Holly. Oh, shit! He reached to steady her, thinking how cute she looked turning red and apologizing for running into him. He liked the look on her face even better when he told her his bedroom was right next door to her. Her face resembled a tomato in color.
“Ma said you wanted to see the horses. I was getting ready to go feed them and turn them out for a bit to stretch their legs.”
Confusion wafted through his mind as he found himself happy when she agreed to go with him. He made a note to himself to be careful with this one. He didn’t need any complications in his life. On the other hand, she’d only be here three weeks, how complicated could it get? He realized she was asking him about riding. After telling her they might be able to ride if the weather held, he started telling her that he would usually ride a few times a week to check on the cattle. Fuck, now I’m rambling.
He talked some more about finding her a coat and making sure she had something nice and warm to wear, when he glanced down at her feet and was rather surprised. “Hey, nice boots. Luccheses is a great brand. Did your research, I see.” A smile spread over his face as she told him she hadn’t done any research. In fact, she had just gone to a western wear store and happened to meet an older man who said he grew up on a cattle ranch and steered her to the boots. “Come on, we have enough time to grab a cup of coffee before we head out to the barn.”
They went to the kitchen and made small talk while he fixed a pot of coffee. She took hers black just like him. For some reason, he found that little gesture made him happy. They talked a little, but mostly sat in comfortable silence, something he never did with anyone, ever.
Sometimes when their eyes met, he’d feel something pass between them, but he wasn’t sure what it was. Glancing at the clock, he realized it was getting late. They needed to get to the barn. “Well, we better get to the barn before the horses think something’s wrong. I’m usually out there by now.”
Preston chuckled as he took their mugs to the sink, unsure whether to think it was naïve or charming that she took what he said literally. He went into the mudroom, grabbed his coat and one of Ma’s for her, thinking it would fit her enough to do the job. “Let’s go, I can’t wait for you to meet Sampson.” They walked to the back door; she shivered and pulled the coat closer around her. Glancing at the sky, he shook his head. From the looks of that sky and the smell in the air, he knew they were in for some bad weather.
When they got to the barn, he slid the barn door open and motioned for her to step through first. “We’re in for some bad weather, I think. Look at that sky.” He slid the door closed behind him. “Hold on a minute.” He moved to the right, turned on the lights, and watched while she looked around the barn, her mouth turning up into a stunning smile. While she explained that she had gone to summer camp, he watched how animated and happy she was, talking about that time in her life.
“So which one is Sampson?”
As they made their way towards the stalls, he heard Sampson whinny loudly, letting him know he wasn’t happy with waiting for his breakfast.
“Oh my gosh! This one is beautiful.” Holly’s eyes were wide, her face lit up with joy.
Preston stroked his hand down the stallion’s muscled neck, proud of his stately horse. Raising an eyebrow, he watched with a touch of amazement as Holly approached his horse, taking the approach that would earn Sampson’s attention.
Wanting to show her more of his pride and joy, he reached in to unlock the stall door to take him out. His chest lay across her back for a moment, and the jolt he felt almost floored him. He breathed in the smell of orchids and vanilla and knew he would always think of it as her smell. Where the hell did that come from? He stepped back so she could move to the side while he slipped Sampson’s halter on.
He listened as she gushed over his stallion, and when their eyes met, hers were dark with desire. He was sure of it. Before he knew what he was doing, his feet moved him a step toward her, but she looked back to the horse taking a step away from him. Disappointment hit him hard. Had he read her wrong? He didn’t think so. Putting Sampson away, he introduced her to the other horses as he fed them.
They made their way out of the barn and back to the house. Preston found he was trying to think of ways he could get more time alone with this woman who he found very exciting and interesting. Damn, he hadn’t had serious thoughts of a relationship with a woman since what had happened to his father.
If anyone ever knew the details behind that relationship, he’d be as devastated as his mother. He’d never seen it coming. He’d gone out with her for only a month when she dumped him, no explanation. He’d thought they were building a relationship. When he and his brother found her with his dad, he hid his reaction well, but it was a blow to his heart and his ego. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he opened the back door for Holly.
The smell of the breakfast Ma was fixing assaulted his senses. “Smells great, Ma. You’re making your coffee cake, aren’t you?” He hung up their coats and went into the kitchen to give her a kiss. “Holly met all the horses and she fell in love with Sam
pson.”
“How could she not? He’s a very special horse. Did you show her Dakota?” She turned to him, and then Holly’s brow raised. “Good morning.”
“Good morning. Yes, he introduced me to all of them. They’re beautiful. Dakota is the roan mare who is in foal, right?”
Preston snickered, knowing full well what Ma was doing. Good for you Holly, points with Ma. “That’s Ma’s favorite mare. We bought her two years ago, and she’ll be one of the first to foal Sampson’s offspring.”
“Well, you’re going to have to promise to send me a picture of the new little one. We’ll have to exchange emails, Tamra.”
Preston found himself hoping she’d come back and see the foal for herself. “Ma, it’s looking like it’s fixin’ to snow pretty bad out there.”
She glanced up at him. “Are you kidding me? The weatherman said no snow until the weekend. I’m going to have to make a trip to town. Get your sister’s butt in gear for me, would you? As soon as we eat, I’ll get dressed and take her to school. You going to let the horses out to stretch their legs a bit?”
He nodded. “Yep. Holly wants to help, so I told her that was fine. Once I turn them out, if the weather looks like it will hold long enough, I’ll take the jeep to check on the cattle. Don’t take your time in town, I don’t want to have to come get you.” He chuckled while he grabbed plates out of the cabinet before checking the coffee pot. Just as he was ready to go light a fire under Clare, she came bouncing into the kitchen.
“Mom, this smells great. I’ve got to hurry, Shelly is picking me up so we can get into school early.”
“Okay, good. I was going to take you because I have to go into town, but I can get to the grocery store quicker if I don’t have to go across town to drop you off. Is she bringing you home?”
“Yeah, we get out at two-thirty today, so she said I could catch a ride with her.”
Preston glanced at the clock over the stove, his heart speeding up a bit. If he worked it right, he’d have at least three hours alone with Holly. He glanced over just in time to see her look up at him and smile. Maybe she’s thinking the same thing? He found his heart was hoping so.
Did she see something pass over Preston’s face when he realized they were going to have time alone? Her heart soared when his mother said she had to go into town. For one moment, she thought Tamra was going to ask if she wanted to go along, but Preston quickly told her she wanted to help with the horses.
Did Tamra see the electricity passing between them? If she did, what would she think of her much younger son being interested in an older woman? Holly shook off the negative thoughts. After all, she wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship, she just found herself very attracted to this man. She wanted to explore more of what it would be like to touch him and be touched by him.
Groaning inwardly, she realized she was doing what her friend April was hoping for her to do. Well, why not? If he was as interested as she thought he was, they were adults right? Don’t over think this like you do everything else, she heard April’s voice scolding her. She chastised herself and pushed the negative thoughts into the back of her mind. This time, I’m doing what I want and to hell with what anyone else thinks. There, she’d made up her mind. This wasn’t a kid she was attracted to, and she wasn’t a washed-out old maid.
During breakfast, Holly had to keep reminding herself to stay in the conversation and keep everything as normal as it had been last night. Soon, Clare bolted from the table when they heard a knock on the back door.
“That’s Shelley, Mom, I’ll see you later. Love you!” She rushed out the side door before anyone could say anything.
Tamra shook her head. “That girl’s like a twister. It’s hard to slow her down unless it’s getting her to do chores. Preston, would you mind cleaning up so I can get going?”
“Nope, I don’t mind at all. Be careful and if you get into any trouble with the weather, call me. Don’t try to get home by yourself.”
“I won’t. Holly, I’ll see you later. I sure hope the weather holds so we can go caroling tonight.”
“I hope so. I’ll see you later and don’t worry, I’ll help Preston clean up.”
Tamra glanced over her shoulder, her brow raised as if she was going to say something. Instead, she smiled and waved. “Preston, pull that pack of chicken from the freezer. I’ll make us some fried chicken tonight when I get back.” She stood on her tiptoes and pulled her son down to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Off I go. Have fun.”
When the door closed, Preston stood and started clearing the breakfast dishes off the table. Holly grabbed the platter and went to the sink to start the water. She added the dish soap and started washing things as Preston set them in the sink. He grabbed a dishtowel and dried them, putting each one in the cabinet as he did. Once the kitchen was done, they stood for a moment just looking at each other. Holly opened her mouth and closed it quickly. What if I’m reading all this wrong?
He smiled, that damn dimple-showing grin of his again, ran his hand through his hair, and fixed his eyes on her. “Damn it woman. You’re going to do me in, I can see it now.” In two strides, he was in front of her, pulling her close against his warm muscled chest. Spreading his legs so he was closer to her height, he tilted her head up with a finger under her chin. “You want this, right? I’m not reading you wrong, am I?’
His deep, rumbling voice sent shivers down her spine. She shook her head, afraid to speak. Her eyes roamed over his face, back to his eyes. She moved closer as he moaned and slid his hand down her back to her ass, cupping it and pulling her against his erection. She moaned as his lips crashed down on hers, her heart racing as she felt she wouldn’t be able to breathe again. Her lips parted, and his tongue slid in to dance with hers, torqueing her feelings higher.
When he broke the kiss, she grabbed his neck and pulled him in for more. Now it was his turn to moan, sending shivers down her back. He feathered kisses down her neck, his warm breath exciting her even more. How was that possible? She’d never felt anything like this before in her life.
She pushed away, wobbled to the table on unsteady legs, and sat down hard. Putting her head in her hands, she shook her head. This was moving way too fast, even for a vacation fling. Yesterday he acted like he hated her, and now he was kissing her like he couldn’t get enough.
“What’s wrong? I’m sorry if I moved too fast.” He slid into the chair next to hers. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know. I think we both moved too fast.” I sound like an idiot. “I didn’t mean to make you think I didn’t... I mean I liked the kiss. Oh shit, shut up, Holly.” She groaned.
“Hey, calm down. It’s okay. I get it. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. We can do as much or as little as you want, I’ll let you lead the way.” He put his finger under her chin, lifting her face so he could look into her eyes. “I promise. Nothing you don’t want.”
She surveyed his eyes as she sized him up. What she saw was honesty. A smile touched her lips. “Thank you.” She stood and tugged his hand to pull him to his feet before she slid her arms around his neck. He dipped his head and kissed her softly. Her heart soared in her chest at the way his kisses ignited her soul. She knew before she left in three weeks, she would end up in his bed. But first, she wanted to know a little more about this man, who was changing everything she had thought she’d known about feelings and needs.
Chapter 6
The Winds Sing a Hymn
The chicken was in cold water to thaw, the horses were turned out into the pen, and a happy Holly was sitting in the Jeep with Preston, blankets, and a large thermos of coffee. She had requested hot chocolate, but he assured her they’d be having plenty of that this evening in front of the fire. The wind was blowing the snow around, and the sky was still looking bleak and gray.
“How far do we have to go to check on the cattle?” She was taking in the pristine snow as they made tracks through a field.
“Not too far. It’s about ten miles to
check on the first herd. Once we check on them, it’s about seven miles to check on the second herd. After that, we can eat lunch and circle back toward home to check on the last herd. It should only take us a couple of hours.”
“You do this on horseback?”
“Usually, unless the weather is like this. I don’t want to take Sampson out that far today. Plus, I get a very early start. Something held me up this morning.” He glanced over at her and gave her that sexy, dimpled grin again.
“Do you know how sexy you are when you do that?”
“When I do what?” He glanced at her again, his brow furrowed.
“When you smile at me like that.” She sighed and reached for his hand. “It’s so peaceful out here. I imagine when it’s just you and Sampson, it must be even more so.”
“It is. Especially when the ground is covered with snow and the wind is blowing. It’s like the earth is playing music.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve never heard it?”
“No. I live in a suburban neighborhood, it’s really never quiet.” She shrugged her shoulders.
Preston stopped the Jeep, turned it off, climbed down, and made his way to her door. Pulling the door open, he offered her his hand.
“What are you doing?”
“Come on, climb out of here, we’re going to listen to the music.”
Holly took his hand and climbed down. He held her hand and they crunched through the snow. “Where are we going?”
“Getting far enough away from the Jeep so you can’t hear the engine ticking. I want you to hear this.” His eyes sparkled as they walked away from the Jeep. After about ten minutes of walking, he stopped and pulled her against him. “Okay, close your eyes and listen.”
Holly relaxed against him and closed her eyes. Their breathing slowed and she listened. At first, she heard nothing. Then the wind picked up; something rustled. She heard a whistle through the crop of trees off to their right. Somewhere off in the distance, the wind picked up the song of a bird.
